There are around 2500 herbalists in the UK. If you are trying to find a local herbalist, doing an internet search such as “herbalist near me” will, no doubt produce a list of websites for local herbal practitioners. But, this is probably not the best way to find a herbalist. Let me explain…
When you are looking for a herbalist that will be able to help you improve your health then it is a good idea to shop around and find someone with professional training. In the UK there is no mandatory regulation of herbalists and not all herbalists are formally trained. Currently, in the UK, anyone can call themselves a herbalist. Even if they have never done a formal course in herbal medicine. So, check credentials such as qualifications, professional memberships and insurance. For example, here is a summary of my qualifications and training as a herbalist.
Perhaps the best way to find a reputable herbalist is to ask for recommendations from people you know. This can be even more important if you have a specific condition that you are looking for help with. In many local areas, there are often support groups that get together and discuss a particular condition. Joining a support group could be a good way to find out if anyone has consulted a herbalist for your particular health concern.
Find a reputable herbalist near me
Another ideal way to find a reputable herbalist is to check on the registers of professional herbalists.
In the UK, the longest-running professional herbalist association is the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). They have high standards for application for membership and demand continuing professional development to maintain that membership. Check their register for a herbalist near you with this link.
Other professional associations include:
The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) is a professional herbalist membership organisation based in the UK. It sets the highest standards for herbal medicine practice, requiring all members to have qualified at least to university level 6, plus a minimum of 500 hours of clinical training. Phytotherapy is the practice of modern western herbal medicine, combining contemporary scientific evidence-based herbal medicine with traditional knowledge and clinical experience. Core to the CPP’s mission is the integration of western herbal medicine with mainstream medical practice. Check their register for herbalists near you with this link.
I admit to being a bit biased towards these two organisations as I am a member of both, but here are some others:
Association of Master Herbalists. Members of this association may practice a blend of natural healing that includes herbal medicine and naturopathic techniques. Check their register for herbalists near you with this link.
The Unified Register of herbal practitioners is an international register of professional herbalists and includes herbalists that practice different types of traditional herbal medicine, such as Chinese, Ayurvedic, Tibetan or Unani Tibb. Check their register of practitioners with this link.
The Register of Chinese Medicine. Most of the herbalists on this register practice a range of traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture, herbal therapy and tuina. Follow this link Find your nearest member to find your local herbalist on this register.
I can’t find a herbalist near me
Though this page is about how to find your local herbalist, there is always the possibility that you can’t find a reputable herbalist near you. After all, I have patients who travel a long distance to see me in Oakham. So, as long as you are able to travel, a local practitioner is not your only choice. In addition, many herbalists keep in touch with patients by doing telephone or online consultations. When choosing a herbalist bear in mind that professional associations such as the National Institute of Medical Herbalists insist that their members have at least one face to face consultation with patients.